Jai Arrow remains unfazed by the notion that South Sydney may falter without two of their key players as Wayne Bennett gears up to face his old team.
The Rabbitohs are set to clash with the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium, but they’ll be doing so without the starry duo of Latrell Mitchell and Cameron Murray, both sidelined due to training injuries.
The team is scheduled to head to Queensland on Thursday after their captain’s run, although plans could be altered in light of the impending Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting the cyclone will make landfall on Thursday, with winds reaching up to 95 kilometres per hour at its centre.
In response, the AFL has implemented a contingency plan should it be necessary for their opening match, which is set for Thursday evening at the Gabba.
However, the NRL has yet to announce whether Friday’s match is at risk.
“We’ve had a meeting, and Wayne is currently liaising with the NRL regarding the necessary steps,” Arrow explained.
Jai Arrow speaks prior to the Rabbitohs’ round one match against the Dolphins. Nine
“I’m not sure if we’ll be departing on Wednesday or Thursday, but I’d prefer to fly out on Wednesday if the cyclone is set to hit Thursday afternoon,” he said. “I won’t be flying into a cyclone.”
“I’d be keen to head up on Wednesday and soak in some time in the beautiful state of Queensland… there’s no way I’m flying into a cyclone.”
While the timing of the team’s departure remains uncertain, Arrow confirmed that Cody Walker will be available for selection in the match.
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Walker missed out on pre-season trial matches due to a calf injury, but he is expected to step up as captain in place of the injured Murray.
“He’s nearly 40 years old now,” Arrow chuckled. “It’s up to him to decide if he’ll take the field. He trained today and I fully expect to see him out there, but that’ll be Cody’s decision. If he feels ready, he’ll join us.”
Cody Walker of the Rabbitohs scoring against the Wests Tigers. Getty
Regarding Arrow’s own injury issues, he noted that he expects to be ready to line up in the back row for round one.
Tallis Duncan and Lachlan Hubner are vying for the lock position vacated by Murray, while Jye Gray steps in at fullback for Mitchell.
Despite the changes within the squad, Arrow is confident that the external chatter regarding the absences of Murray and Mitchell won’t affect the team significantly.
“I wouldn’t call it insulting, as it does not trouble me,” he remarked. “In recent years, we haven’t quite met our usual standards, so we’re a team brimming with enthusiasm. We’ve undergone a fresh start and an invigorating pre-season… it’s unfortunate to lose players.
“I can see why people might voice their concerns as they’re two pivotal players for us and leaders in our club, hence the external commentary. But we genuinely haven’t let it faze us. Our focus has been on our pre-season and the style of footy we want to deliver.”
Jai Arrow of the Rabbitohs celebrates scoring a try with teammates against the Sydney Roosters. Getty
“We’ve managed this adversity better than any other team in the NRL given the number of players we’ve lost. It’s all about the ‘next man up’ attitude for us, so nothing really changes.
“We’re excited for the players stepping in to seize their opportunity and make those roles their own for now. We’ve adapted quickly and feel we’ve done well in that regard.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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